Ascophyllum
Ascophyllum
Ascophyllum (pronounced as-koh-FY-lum) is a genus of brown algae belonging to the family Fucaceae. It is commonly known as rockweed, knotted wrack, or egg wrack.
Etymology
The term "Ascophyllum" is derived from the Greek words "askos" meaning sac and "phyllon" meaning leaf, referring to the air bladders that are a characteristic feature of this genus.
Description
Ascophyllum is characterized by its long, pliant thalli (the plant body of algae, fungi, and other non-vascular plants) that are attached to the substrate by a holdfast. The thalli are often dichotomously branched, with large, egg-shaped air bladders at regular intervals. The bladders keep the photosynthetic parts of the algal thallus floating on the surface of the water, allowing them to receive more sunlight.
Species
The most well-known species is Ascophyllum nodosum, which is found in the North Atlantic and is commonly used in agriculture and horticulture.
Uses
Ascophyllum is used in the production of alginate, a thickening agent, and is also used as a biofertilizer in agriculture. It is also a source of iodine and other minerals.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ascophyllum
- Wikipedia's article - Ascophyllum
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